Through the Storm (The Montclair Brothers) (20 page)

"Mr. Montclair, what is your relationship with Renee?"

It was the first thing he asked, and she knew it was a tactic meant to unravel him.

"She's my girlfriend." Tyler didn't falter.

"Is it true you slept with her while she was still married to Mr. Preston?"

"They were
separated
. It's not like you can get a divorce when you're running for your life."

"Just answer the question, Mr. Montclair," Knowles warned.

"Yes." Tyler smiled at him.

Eventually the questions turned to the night when they were nearly killed.

"Did you see who started the fire?"

"No," answered Tyler. Renee could tell he was starting to relive it.

"Did you see who shot your brother and your friends?" Knowles returned the smile that Tyler had offered a minute earlier.

"No, but we saw Robert lying in the driveway with a rifle and a gas can."

Judge Weddle turned to him. "Mr. Montclair, please just answer the question."

Tyler apologized and turned his head back to the defense attorney.

"But you didn't actually see him start the fire, nor did you see him shoot the gun. Is that correct?"

"Yes." Tyler subtly shook his head in disgust. Renee could tell he was pissed.

After Tyler finished, Sean was escorted in. At first, Knowles asked him the same questions, but then he began to grill him even worse.

"You just backed up, not even looking where you were going, and ran over Mr. Preston. Then, you kept going. That's called a hit and run, Mr. Montclair." Knowles began to write again.

"I had my brother and my friends bleeding to death in the back of the van, because Robert had shot them. I didn't know if he was really hurt or just pretending. If he stood up, he would have killed us all had I stopped."

"But you didn't actually see Mr. Preston shooting. Is that correct?" Renee wanted to smack Knowles. He was being ruthless.

"Correct." Sean was getting just as angry and disgusted as his brother.

"Did you see Mr. Preston start the fire?"

"No."

The cross examinations were following the same lines for all of them. Renee felt like Robert was winning. They hadn't seen him shoot the gun, nor start the fire, and the fact that Robert was chasing them, was only their assumption. The defense had even tried to discredit
them all by bringing up Brian, as if it was because of them that Brian had been harmed.

By the end of the day, the seven of them had all taken the stand. Renee put on her jacket the moment they got home, and went for a long walk.
Could Robert get away with only minor convictions
? By the time she reached the end of the street, she heard someone running up behind her. She spun around right as Tyler was wrapping his arms around her.

"Baby, today wasn't the best day, but the jury isn't stupid. Tomorrow the cops will be called in to testify. They have the evidence, and Robert isn't going to get away with this."

"None of us saw him shoot at us, or start the fire. He's going to get away with what he did in Castle Lake!" Renee wanted to scream.

"He's killed people, Honey. He's not going to be a free man ever again."

Renee shivered and walked back home with him. Brian met her at the door and helped her take off her jacket. She held him, knowing he wasn't happy about today either.

"Hey, Bud." She held Brian's hand and quickly squeezed it. As she turned to head upstairs, he stopped her.

"I want to say something to you, Renee. For a very long time I hated the cops. They pretty much tried to giftwrap me, and hand me over to the people who wanted to kill me. I'm past that now. It's because of the cops that we got home safe and sound, and they made sure my parents are going to have to stand up to their crimes." He smiled down at her from his tall frame.

Renee knew then, that Brian, once again, was trying to pull her back from the woods.

Tyler sat with the spectators on the second day of testimony. The group was packed closely together, not unlike they were in the van, or the apartment. Tyler wasn't happy that Robert was allowed to come back into the courtroom. Apparently he'd been behaving himself, and he'd promised there would be no more outbursts. He didn't even show any hostility when the officers described the gruesome scenes they'd come upon. Maybe that was good enough for the judge, but the seven people he hadn't been able to kill knew better.
The more the authorities discussed the horrible way these victims died, complete with photographs of the bodies, the more the psychopath enjoyed it…almost like someone would react over a piece of art. When the coroner gave her testimony, Tyler watched his euphoria heighten. Robert's display wasn't enough for him to get kicked out, but he received his share of stern looks from the judge and from Knowles.

The families of the murdered victims weren't hard to pick out. Their anger and tears were apparent when they were forced to look at what Robert had done to their loved ones. The elderly parents and brother of Buck Roy had driven in from
California, Dr. Vegas' sister had flown in from Maryland, and several relatives of twenty year old Cyrus Kerns, wept behind Tyler. Cyrus had been a long distance runner with a chance at competing in the Olympics.

After the victims were introduced, Renee got up and ran to the bathroom. She blamed herself, and no matter how hard Tyler tried, he couldn't convince her otherwise. He'd given Emma the job of providing immediate comfort to her, because he'd surely get nailed for going into the women's bathroom. It took her thirty minutes to convince Renee to dry her face and return to the courtroom. Thankfully, it didn't escape the prosecutor or the bailiff
when Robert would turn around and glare at her, that haunting smile smeared across his face.

Towards the end of the day, detectives
Delcan and Joy gave their testimonies. Tyler was shocked to learn that it was Joy who'd given Ronald Caper the information as to their location. The detective was internally reprimanded, but that was the extent of his punishment. When Joy made the disclosure to Ronald, it wasn't done with the foreknowledge that he was setting anyone up. Only a fraction of the authorities scheduled were able to testify today, because Delcan and Joy took up the remainder of the afternoon. Even after they were released for the day, the detectives were told they might be called back.

At home, the conversations were the same as the prior day; who was winning the case, were they satisfied with the day's proceedings, and who was left to testify? Getting through each day of this maze wasn't easy by any means, but something else was wrong, and Tyler had a funny feeling he knew what it was.

The only crime against them that could be irrevocably proven was the shooting on the freeway. That knowledge left a bitter taste in all of their mouths. Tyler didn't understand how anyone could defend the scumbag, but then again, he'd once been in a position to need defending too. Tyler really was innocent; his supposed crime certainly wasn't as heinous as those that Robert had committed.

"He's going to get away with shooting us!" Renee had voiced her concern over this issue multiple times each day.

What could he say to her? What could he say to make things better for Brian, Jacob, or any of them for that matter? Knowles was pissing everyone off, and his cross examinations were doing nothing to relieve their agony. Robert was going to go to prison for the rest of his life, without a doubt, but he might not be charged for the hell he'd put them through. Jacob had said if he heard one more word about circumstantial evidence, he'd go to jail himself for assault. That's the last thing Tyler needed. Trying to keep everyone calm was becoming a bit impossible, even for Vincent who'd explained court terminology until he was blue in the face.

Emma threw her hands in the air. "I think it sucks that we're not allowed to tell the court what we know!" Her patience was wearing thin, just like everyone else's.

Tyler had to agree with what the group was saying. Knowles was very good at redirecting them to the same topic; they didn't
see
Robert do anything while they were in Castle Lake.

By the end of the first full week of the trial, Tyler was seeing the damage the proceedings were
causing. Jacob and Emma were bickering, and Renee spent a lot of time by herself. She was a thinker, and he knew that. He just wished he could stop her mind from spinning, even for just a day. The reporters weren't helping any. Cameras weren't allowed in the courtroom, but that didn't mean they totally went away. Once they stepped outside the courthouse, it was a free for all. Vincent would try to sneak Brian out of another exit, but the cameramen were way too familiar with that trick. By the time they got home, Renee was ready to snap. Something had to lift her mood or this trial was going to break her.

On Saturday morning, Tyler took Brian into the backyard to talk.

"This is great, Tyler, but I'm freezing my butt off!" Brian wrapped his coat tighter around himself.

"I just wanted to bounce something off of you," he began as he looked up at the clouds.

"Let me guess. You want me to be responsible for cutting the lawn this summer!" he joked, and Tyler laughed right along with him.

"Actually, it was something a little more serious than that. I wanted to know if you'd mind me asking Renee to marry
me? She'd legally be you mother."

"Are you serious?" Brian's eyes grew wide. He looked at Tyler and paused for a minute.

The kid's shocked face was making him begin to worry. "You're fifteen, Son. You have to decide if that's something you want or not?"

"Five hundred percent."
Brian nodded, his eyes gleaming.

"What?" laughed
Tyler.

"That I'd want Renee for a mother.
I totally think you two should get married. I mean, it seems like you already are, there's just no paperwork. She's divorced now, so go for it!" Brian put his arms around Tyler's shoulders. "Are you going to ask her tonight?"

"When the trial is over and Robert's locked away, then I'll ask her. I want the proposal and wedding to be about me, you, and Renee, nothing else. Does that make sense?"

"Do you have a ring for her yet?" Brian grinned.

"Well no, I don't. I was serious when I said that what you wanted was most important. I wasn't going to make any plans until I spoke to you." Tyler ruffled his blond hair.

"Ya know, I already consider Renee my mother. If it wasn't for her I would have died on the streets." He looked away.

"She loves you like a son. You tried to save her from being shot to death and that's something she'll always be gratef
ul for, as will I. If Robert would have gotten up from the driveway—" Tyler began to feel that lump in the back of his throat.

"It's okay. I know both of you would have done the same for me. We're
Montclairs, remember?" Brian blinked back tears.

"It bothers me so much that you two, along with my brother, could have been killed, while I ran to safety, not even realizing there was a shooter. I should have been the last one out to make sure everyone got away. The guilt eats me alive sometimes." Tyler sat down on the edge of the picnic table.

Brian waited until Tyler met his eyes. "Things happened the way they were supposed to happen. We're alive, we're together, and I can't wait to have a little brother or sister!"

"What are you talking about?" Tyler chuckled. "I'd love some more kids, but Renee and I haven't planned anything yet."

"I was watching a documentary on television. The trial is sending Renee for a loop, like it's doing to all of us, but I think it's more than that. She gets nauseated, her moods go all over the board…"

"No way," smiled Tyler.

"Way." Brian laughed and nodded his head.

Tyler's shocked expression, while he sat in the backyard with his future son, must have been priceless.

Renee was sleeping when he went upstairs to lay down beside her. He watched as she turned towards him and tucked her hands underneath her sweet face. Her dark hair fanned across the pillow, and her rosy cheeks made him want to risk waking her just so he could kiss them.

A Dad.

For years Tyler had wanted nothing more than a big healthy family. Part of him feared that perhaps Renee would say no because of her previous marriage. If she was pregnant, would it upset or anger her? Would she feel trapped? He rested his head next to hers on the pillow. Slowly her eyes began to flutter open.

She started to get up. "Tyler is something wrong? Is Brian okay? What time is it?" Renee threw the covers off of her.

"It's seven thirty. You took a nap this afternoon and I just wanted to hold you. Do you feel better?" Tyler pulled her back down on the bed.

"Yes, but I didn't mean to sleep this long. I'm so sorry," she said and wiped the sleep from her eyes.

"I don't know how to ask this, so I'm just going to blurt it out." Tyler felt like a nervous wreck. He knew if he pondered the question, it'd never get asked. With all of the stress in her life, it was imperative for them to know as soon as possible. "Is it possible that you're pregnant?"

"Who told you that?" Renee turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling.

"Well, Brian and I—"

"Wow. You two are pretty smart." Renee placed her hand on her belly.

"It's true?!" Tyler felt an overwhelming joy soar through him.

"I'm about four weeks. I wanted to wait until after the trial to tell you, so we could just concentrate on having our baby." Renee turned her head to look at him. "Are you upset?"

"Are you?" Tyler rested his weight on his elbows and looked down at her face.

"No, I've waited forever to be a mom." Renee had a desperate look on her face.

"And I've waited forever for you."

∞  ∞  ∞  ∞

Jacob quietly sat down on the edge of the bed, and watched as Emma pulled a brush through her shiny red hair.
How'd I get so lucky
? He asked himself frequently. Every time he looked at her, or heard her name, he fell more in love. She was kind, gentle, loving, and the most compassionate person he'd ever known. Without a doubt, Jacob knew he'd made the right decision, to wait for her. No one had ever filled him with such a zest for life, or taught him to be passionate about even the smallest things.

Emma untied her robe and hung it on the back of the door before rubbing lotion onto her perfect skin. Only he got to see her like this. She slid the pretty black dress over her
head and let it slide down her body. Jacob had picked it out for her, after searching five stores. The front wasn't too low cut, the hem, not too short, just the style she liked. Emma lifted the necklace from its case and fastened it behind her neck, and then slid the matching diamond studs in her ears. He loved shopping for her.  Jacob had brought home lots of sexy lingerie, and Emma would look at him with those emerald eyes and drive him crazy, but she reserved that sexy side of herself for only him. Jacob smiled.

"Honey, can you help me with my bracelet?" She asked as she walked into the bedroom.

"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." Jacob kissed her cheek and fastened the bracelet around her delicate wrist.

"Are you ready to go?" Emma picked his tie up off of his chest. "You look so gorgeous!" She pulled him to a standing position.

"I'm ready, Love. Let's go." Jacob winked at her when she slid her arm through his.

"I hope we're not going to be too late to get a decent spot." Emma anxiously remarked. Suddenly, her dress moved up her thighs. "Jacob, it's impossible to be graceful, while trying to climb up into this seat!" After she got situated, the irritation left her
face, and she flashed him that radiant smile of hers.

Jacob got behind the wheel and started the engine. "Honey, it's a play
in a theater. I don't think we'll have trouble seeing or hearing anything. But I'll do my best to get us there quickly." As Jacob drove downtown, he held her hand. It felt soft and delicate, just like the rest of her.

Once they arrived at the parking structure, Emma checked her watch. "Okay we have twenty minutes to get inside. I'm so glad we were able to find a close spot to park."

He walked around the Jeep, opened her door, and then placed his hands around her small waist to lift her out. He felt her slowly slide down the front of him. "Mmmm," he whispered.

As they walked inside the auditorium, Emma looked around in a panic. "There's no one else in here,
Jacob. I think the performance has been cancelled or something."

Jacob tried not to laugh. She'd never been to a play before, so he didn't know which one of them was more excited. He escorted her to the middle row and sat down beside her.

Suddenly a man walked out onto the stage, dressed in a tuxedo. There was a heavy crimson curtain behind him.

"Thank you for joining us this evening!" the man announced.

"I don't understand this. He's looking at me." Emma whispered and leaned up against Jacob nervously.